That's a pretty comprehensive list, Flowery! Well done! I second pretty much everything you've said. I'd also recommend keeping things as simple as possible for the first week or so. Eg. If you're planning on using 'real' nappies (I do, they save a fortune!), don't force yourself to start using them before you're ready (it actually took me three months to get completely in the swing of things and juggle an extra load of washing and drying every other day!). If you're not finding out the sex of baby, just buy a few white bits and pieces to start with - they look bloomin' adorable in them and you will be inundated with plenty of blue or pink once the baby arrives! Another thing. My DS was of average size - 7lbs4oz, but newborn clothes absolutely swamped him! At the last minute, I decided to get some tiny baby clothes, just in case, and he ended up being in them for quite some time! It gave me a good excuse to go shopping and indulge though! if you want baby in your room, but cot doesn't fit, the swinging cribs are quite a good compromise. They are bigger than a Moses basket (we didn't bother with this), but way smaller than a cot. DS was able to fit in his until the recommended 6 months. A word of warning though. DS HATED his swinging crib for the first 4 months or so! He actually spent most of the first few months in bed with us, or in the carrycot part of his pram! If you're buying a pram with carrycot, it might be worth thinking about just using that! I'm hankering after a bedside crib this time. I loved co-sleeping, but DH is epileptic and has his fits at night. Although they are only once or twice a year and I wake up the instant they start, it is a background worry all the time.
Geez! I've blabbered on!
I am 12+2 today and have been feeling great the last 5 days or so! Such a lovely change! Sorry to those of you still suffering, but if you're waiting for the hallowed 12 weeks, I hope it gives you some light at the end of the tunnel! That said, I am suffering from terrible lower back pain, which I am pretty sure is all DS induced. He is so heavy that I am struggling to lift him out of his cot or up on to his changing table :( nappy changes on the floor for the time being methinks and maybe it won't be such a bad idea to allow him to work out how to get out of his cot...only with the side down of course! (ooo yes, another thing - the idea of cot beds are great, but you can't get a drop sided cot bed, well I couldn't anyway, so we ended up buying a cheap eBay drop sided affair a few months ago and the lovely expensive cot bed is currently in the garage awaiting the day DS needs to graduate! No bad thing perhaps, because we will need another cot for this lo and if DS is being a pickle when we move him into big bed, we still have the 'baby' bed to put him back in! Thought it might be worth mentioning, just to add into the big ol' mixing pot!)
My scan is in one week and 2hrs! Bring it on! It's a catch 22 willing it to hurry up though because I have to go back to school the following day, but at least I can share my news I suppose!
Isabella Oliver dresses. (you girls really are a bad influence!) The biggest size I can find on eBay is a 4, which will fit me perfectly now, but I don't care what they say, I found maternity clothes buying is not simply a case of just buying whatever size you were before you were pg! I ended up a 16 in lots of maternity clothes by the end last time, although I think my giant (for me) norks may have had a bit to do with that! So my question is, how stretchy are said dresses? Should I be holding fire for a size 5, or take the risk and go for a 4?
Re changing bags. I found the boots one okay, but like others have said, it is nice to have a pretty one! I got mine for my birthday last year and I love it! My sister tried to tell me off for asking for a baby related present, but if I'm carrying it around all day everyday, it's mine more than the baby's isn't it?! (like I would take advice off my sister, but that's a whole other can of worms!) mine is a skip hop one which has 14 pockets! My mum kindly bought me a Kipling one before DS was born in the sale, but it was a nightmare because it had no pockets and I never knew where anything was! With this one, I am super organised and can find things in seconds! Great for my mummy brain! I'm just desperately hoping it will carry all the stuff I need for two children!
Blooming Nora I'm feeling chatty this morning! One last thing. I had to giggle at your post Sheldonella when you said you were up early again, which you posted at 7:50am! I am jealous of your lie in! In a few months time you will look back on these days with longing!
Have a good day all!